Healthwatch Cornwall Raises Concerns Over Plans to Abolish Healthwatch England

Plans to Abolish Healthwatch England Spark Alarm in Cornwall

Healthwatch Cornwall has spoken out strongly against government plans to abolish Healthwatch England, calling the proposal a threat to the independence of the patient voice in health and social care.

The news was quietly revealed by Ministers last Friday, 27th June, sparking concerns across the country. As the statutory watchdog for health and social care in the Duchy, Healthwatch Cornwall says the changes could seriously damage its ability to stand up for the people of Cornwall.

“Not just another layer of bureaucracy”

Debbie Gilbert, CEO of Healthwatch Cornwall, said:

“The patient voice can only be meaningful if it is independent of the system – not embedded within it. Independence has always been at the heart of Healthwatch’s role, and these proposals put that at serious risk.”

The proposals suggest that Healthwatch England’s role may be absorbed into the Department of Health and Social Care. Debbie says this would undermine the ability to scrutinise the system effectively, locally and nationally.

“Reports suggest that Healthwatch England’s functions could be absorbed into the Department of Health and Social Care – effectively silencing the very voice that exists to challenge and scrutinise that system on behalf of patients. Locally, this would be devastating.”

“We are not just another layer of bureaucracy but constructive partners working with the NHS, local authorities, and care providers and our power comes from being able to speak openly and independently when things go wrong.”

Listening to Cornwall’s concerns

Debbie says the team in Cornwall hears from hundreds of residents every month, using that feedback to raise concerns and influence change across vital areas like mental health services, dentistry access, social care and hospital discharge.

“Our reports are respected, our voice trusted, and our accountability is to the people of Cornwall – not to government departments or internal NHS structures.”

“It is disappointing that such a fundamental change was announced with no consultation, late on a Friday, and in a fragmented way – leaving dedicated Healthwatch staff and volunteers across the country facing deep uncertainty.”

Call to protect independence

The Healthwatch Cornwall board is now urging both local and national decision-makers to:

• Recognise the value of an independent patient voice

• Protect local Healthwatch services

• Ensure communities continue to be heard – not silenced

“We remain committed to the people of Cornwall but must be allowed to stay independent to serve them properly.”